Communication control device, communication control method, and wireless communication device

ABSTRACT

A communication control device including: a management unit configured to manage one or more first wireless communication devices; and an information exchange unit configured to exchange, with another communication control device that manages one or more second wireless communication devices, information related to frequency sharing by the second wireless communication devices. The information related to frequency sharing includes information related to a frequency band in which high-priority access can be made.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/068,928 filed on Jul. 10, 2018, which is a U.S.National Phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2016/081951filed on Oct. 27, 2016, which claims priority benefit of Japanese PatentApplication No. JP 2016-013282 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Jan.27, 2016. Each of the above-referenced applications is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a communication control device, acommunication control method, a program, and a wireless communicationdevice.

BACKGROUND ART

Since a frequency resource is limited, technologies for achievingefficient utilization of the frequency resource are being studied inmany places. For example, for the Spectrum Access System (SAS) scheduledto be introduced into the 3.5 GHz band in the United States, it isstudied to provide three priorities and allocate a channel (that is, afrequency band) to each wireless network in accordance with thepriority.

In addition, as an approach for achieving efficient utilization of thefrequency resource, a mechanism for causing a frequency band allocatedto a certain wireless network to be utilized by another wireless networkis being studied. For example, a mechanism for opening, among frequencychannels allocated to a TV broadcast system, a channel (also referred toas a TV white space) not utilized by the TV broadcast system dependingon an area to another system for utilization is being studied. Such amechanism is also referred to as frequency secondary utilization. Ingeneral, a system to which a frequency channel has been allocated bypriority is called a primary system, and a system that secondarilyutilizes the frequency channel is called a secondary system. Forexample, Patent Literatures below disclose technologies related tofrequency secondary utilization.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1:

JP 2012-109922A

Patent Literature 2:

JP 2012-213071A DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, in the study of frequency secondary utilization, ahigh-priority wireless network that can utilize an allocated frequencyband by priority is merely assumed to utilize the frequency bandallocated to the high-priority wireless network itself. Therefore, it isnot assumed that the high-priority wireless network, for example, sharesa frequency band allocated to another high-priority system. To achievemore efficient utilization of the frequency resource, it is desirablethat a mechanism in which an allocated frequency can be shared amongsuch high-priority wireless networks is provided.

Solution to Problem

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a communicationcontrol device including: a management unit configured to manage one ormore first wireless communication devices; and an information exchangeunit configured to exchange, with another communication control devicethat manages one or more second wireless communication devices,information related to frequency sharing by the second wirelesscommunication devices. The information related to frequency sharingincludes information related to a frequency band in which high-priorityaccess can be made.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided acommunication control method including: managing one or more firstwireless communication devices by a processor; and with anothercommunication control device that manages one or more second wirelesscommunication devices, exchanging, by an information exchange unit,information related to frequency sharing by the second wirelesscommunication devices. The information related to frequency sharingincludes information related to a frequency band in which high-priorityaccess can be made.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided aprogram for causing a computer to function as a communication controldevice including: a management unit configured to manage one or morefirst wireless communication devices; and an information exchange unitconfigured to exchange, with another communication control device thatmanages one or more second wireless communication devices, informationrelated to frequency sharing by the second wireless communicationdevices. The information related to frequency sharing includesinformation related to a frequency band in which high-priority accesscan be made.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided awireless communication device including: a processing unit configured totransmit a message requesting exchange of information for carrying outcarrier aggregation through use of a frequency band provided byfrequency sharing by another wireless communication device to acommunication control device that manages the wireless communicationdevice, the information being related to the frequency sharing betweenthe communication control device and another communication controldevice that manages the other wireless communication device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure as described above, a mechanism inwhich an allocated frequency can be shared among high-priority wirelessnetworks is provided. Note that the effects described above are notnecessarily limitative. With or in the place of the above effects, theremay be achieved any one of the effects described in this specificationor other effects that may be grasped from this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an example of an architecture forachieving transfer or lease of a PAL.

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an architecture of an existing SAS.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of an architecture of a SASaccording to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for specifically describing a scenarioin which introduction of the architecture according to the embodiment isassumed.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for specifically describing a scenarioin which introduction of the architecture according to the embodiment isassumed.

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an example of a configuration of asystem according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofa network manager according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofa base station according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of acquiring information related to frequency sharingexecuted in a system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of acquiring information related to frequency sharingexecuted in a system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of transferring or leasing a high-priority access rightexecuted in a system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of secondary utilization of a frequency band in whichhigh-priority access is being made, executed in a system according to athird embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of secondary utilization of a frequency band in whichhigh-priority access is being made, executed in a system according tothe third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofcarrier aggregation processing including frequency sharing executed in asystem according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a server.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a first example of a schematicconfiguration of an eNB.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of theschematic configuration of the eNB.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, (a) preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure willbe described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Notethat, in this specification and the appended drawings, structuralelements that have substantially the same function and structure aredenoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation ofthese structural elements is omitted.

In addition, in the present specification and drawings, elements thathave substantially the same function and structure are distinguished insome cases by adding different alphabets after the same referencenumerals. For example, a plurality of elements that have substantiallythe same function and structure are distinguished like network managers100A, 100B, and 100C according to necessity. However, in a case where itis not particularly necessary to distinguish among a plurality ofelements that have substantially the same function and structure, thesame reference numerals are merely given. For example, in the case whereit is not particularly necessary to distinguish among the networkmanagers 100A, 1008, and 100C, they are simply referred to as a networkmanager 100.

Note that description will be provided in the following order.

1. Introduction 1.1. License 1.2. SAS

1.3. Technological problems1.4. Overview of new architecture1.5. Assumed scenario2. Configuration examples2.1. Configuration example of system2.2. Configuration example of network manager2.3. Configuration example of base station3. Respective embodiments3.1. First embodiment3.2. Second embodiment3.3. Third embodiment3.4. Fourth embodiment4. Application examples

5. Conclusion 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. License

In general, the license for frequency utilization is granted by afrequency management authority or the like of each country. An exampleof license forms is shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Individual Authorisation (Individual rights of use) GeneralAuthorisation Individual Licence (No individual rights of use)(Traditional licensing) Light-Licensing Licence-exempt Individualfrequency Individual frequency No individual frequency No individualfrequency planning/coordination planning/coordinationplanning/coordination planning/coordination Traditional ProcedureSimplified procedure Registration and/or No registration for issuinglicences compared to notification. and/or notification. traditionalprocedure No limitations in the for issuing licences. number of usersnor With limitations in need for coordination. the number of users

Table 1 above is described in “CEPT, “ECC Report 132: Light Licensing,License-Exempt and Commons”, Moscow, June, 2009.” <URL:http://www.erodocdb.dk/docs/doc98/official/Pdf/ECCRep132.pdf>. The“Individual Licence” is a mechanism generally called “Licensed”, andgrant of a license is required. For example, a primary system is granteda license in accordance with this mechanism. For example, this mechanismis applied to mobile network operators, broadcasters, and the like. Onthe other hand, the “Licence-Exempt” is a mechanism generally called“Unlicensed”, and grant of a license is not required. For example, atypical wireless local area network (WLAN) device, a Bluetooth(registered trademark) device, and the like are used in this mechanism.The “Light-licensing” is typically a mechanism in which a non-exclusivelicense is granted.

1.2. SAS

The SAS is a technology scheduled to be introduced into the 3.5 GHz bandin the United States. In the SAS, a spectrum access layer of athree-tier structure is defined. In detail, “Incumbent Access Tier”,“Priority Access Tier”, and “General Authorized Access Tier” are definedin descending order of priorities. A wireless network in the “IncumbentAccess Tier” can utilize an exclusively available frequency. A wirelessnetwork in the “Priority Access Tier” can utilize a temporarilyexclusively available frequency. A wireless network in the “GeneralAuthorized Access Tier” can utilize a frequency which is non-exclusive,that is, a frequency for which interference protection is not ensured.

The “Priority Access Tier” is equivalent to “Light licensing” of“Individual authorization” in Table 1 above. A wireless network in the“Priority Access Tier” is granted a Priority Access License (PAL), andcan utilize a PAL channel. Note that the PAL channels are frequencychannels on a 10-MHz basis. In addition, seven channels are reserved asthe PAL channels for each predetermined geographical range (for example,census tract), and up to four successive PAL channels can be utilizedper user (licensee). Here, transfer or lease of a PAL is being studiedin the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In order to achievetransfer or lease of a PAL, an architecture shown in FIG. 1, forexample, is conceivable.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an example of an architecture forachieving transfer or lease of a PAL. As shown in FIG. 1, the presentarchitecture includes a spectrum broker 10, eNBs (eNodeBs) 20A to 20D, aSAS database 30, and core networks 40A and 40B. The SAS database 30manages which system utilizes which frequency band with which priority(that is, spectrum access layer). The eNBs 20A and 20B are controlled bythe core network 40A. The eNBs 20C and 20D are controlled by the corenetwork 40B. Each of the core networks 40 controls the subordinate eNB20 to utilize a frequency band allocated to the core network 40 itselfregistered in the SAS database 30. The core networks 40A and 40B aretypically operated by different business operators. The spectrum broker10 mediates transfer or lease of a frequency between the respective corenetworks 40.

An interface between the core network 40 and the SAS database 30 is alsoreferred to as an interface A. Each core network 40 acquires informationrelated to a frequency opened for secondary utilization utilizing theinterface A to perform frequency secondary utilization.

An interface between the core network 40 and the spectrum broker 10 isalso referred to as an interface B. An interface between the spectrumbroker 10 and the SAS database is also referred to as an interface C.The spectrum broker 10 mediates transfer or lease of a frequency betweenthe respective core networks 40 utilizing the interface B and theinterface C.

1.3. Technological Problems

However, it is difficult to introduce the above-described architectureinto the framework of the SAS. This difficulty will be described withreference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an architecture of an existing SAS. Asshown in FIG. 2, the architecture of the SAS includes “User”, “CitizensBroadband Radio Service Devices (CBSD)”, “Proxy/Network Manager”, “SAS”,“FCC Databases”, and “Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC)”. Numbersadded to these structural elements are indices for distinguishing amongthem. The “User” is an end user of a wireless service, and typicallyuser equipment (UE) such as a smartphone. The “CBSD” is a device thatprovides the “User” with a wireless service, and is equivalent to theeNB 20 shown in FIG. 1. The “SAS” is an entity equivalent to the SASdatabase 30 shown in FIG. 1, and cooperation between the “SASs” ispossible. The “Proxy/Network Manager” is an entity that mediates aninteraction between the “SAS” and the “CBSD”, and is equivalent to thespectrum broker 10 shown in FIG. 1. The “FCC Databases” are entitiesthat manage information related to the licenses of respective frequencybands or information related to systems belonging to the “IncumbentAccess Tier”. The “ESC” is an entity that senses a signal of a systembelonging to the “Incumbent Access Tier”.

For example, a “CBSD1” to a “CBSD3” and a “User” who enjoys wirelessservices provided by them and a “CBSD4” and a “User” who enjoys awireless service provided by the “CBSD4” form wireless networksdifferent from each other. In order to achieve transfer or lease of afrequency between these wireless networks, it is desirable that theinterface B shown in FIG. 1 is provided for each wireless network, andthat an interaction between the respective wireless networks via thespectrum broker 10 is possible. In other words with regard to thearchitecture shown in FIG. 2, it is desirable that the “Proxy/NetworkManager” is provided for each wireless network, and that an interactionbetween the “Proxy/Network Managers” is possible. However, in theexisting SAS architecture, the “Proxy/Network Manager” is notnecessarily provided for each wireless network, and an interactionbetween the “Proxy/Network Managers” is not defined. Further, thefunction of the “Proxy/Network Manager” is not defined at all, andstandards do not exist as a matter of course. Therefore, the“Proxy/Network Manager” is mounted uniquely by a communication businessoperator, for example. Under such circumstances, it is difficult toachieve transfer or lease of a frequency in the existing SASarchitecture.

1.4. Overview of New Architecture

Thus, one embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a SASarchitecture that can achieve transfer or lease of a frequency. Thepresent architecture will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of a SAS architectureaccording to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in the SASarchitecture according to the present embodiment, each of wirelessnetworks is provided with the “Proxy/Network Manager”, and an interfacethat enables an interaction between the “Proxy/Network Managers” isprovided. Note that, as a “CBSD31” not provided with the “Proxy/NetworkManager”, an access point of a wireless local area network (LAN) systemthat utilizes a frequency in the “General Authorized Access Tier”, forexample, or the like is assumed.

Note that an extension of the existing SAS architecture has beendescribed above as a new architecture, whilst the present technology isnot limited to such an example. For example, the present technology isalso applicable to a coexistence technology between similar ordissimilar networks (P802.19.1a) in the frequency band lower than orequal to 6 GHz including TV white spaces, which is being studied in theIEEE 802.19 Task Group 1 a (TG1a). A coexistence manager (CM) equivalentto the “Proxy/Network Manager” in IEEE Std 802.19.1™-2014 which is thestandard on which P802.19.1a is based does not perform transfer or leaseof a frequency to another CM, and does not have an interface forinteraction. Therefore, the present technology is also applicable toIEEE P802.19.1a.

1.5. Assumed Scenario

Hereinafter, an example of a scenario in which application of theabove-described new architecture is assumed will be described withreference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are explanatorydiagrams for specifically describing a scenario in which introduction ofthe above-described new architecture is assumed.

In general, a mobile network operator (MNO) has permission for a certainfrequency f. Then, the MNO provides a wireless service through use ofthe frequency f for user equipment (UE) that a subscriber possesses,while controlling a network utilizing a packet control network such asthe Evolved Packet Core (EPC), as shown in FIG. 4.

It is important for the MNO to make it possible to ensure networkconnection of UE everywhere, that is, to expand coverage of a networkdensely and widely. Therefore, since external radio waves are unlikelyto reach into a construction such as a building or condominium, it isdesirable to install an antenna inside. However, in order to install anantenna inside the construction, a negotiation with the owner of theconstruction, network planning in accordance with the construction, theinstallation cost, and the like are required, which impose a heavyburden on the MNO.

An example of a method of lessening such a burden includes introductionof a low-cost Wi-Fi (registered trademark) system. However, users do notutilize the Wi-Fi system in many cases since complicated usermanipulations, such as input of a password and a procedure for consentto terms of service, are required in order to utilize the Wi-Fi system.Therefore, it is difficult to say that such a burden lessening method isan effective method.

In addition, in the case where the construction is a commercialfacility, an accommodation, or the like, for example, the Wi-Fi systemmay be introduced by an owner, a tenant, an operating company, or thelike of the construction, for example, other than the MNO. However,similarly in this case, users do not utilize the Wi-Fi system in manycases since complicated user manipulations, such as input of a password,input of credit card information, and a procedure for consent to termsof service, are required in order to utilize the Wi-Fi system.Therefore, it is difficult for the owner, the tenant, the operatingcompany, or the like of the construction to draw users in its ownnetwork from a cellular network, and it is difficult to sufficientlycollect the service charge of the Wi-Fi system.

On the other hand, users often do not permit the above-described lowusability while demanding inexpensive and seamless network coverage.Therefore, users may endure an unstable but already charged MNO networkor the like, without utilizing a stable Wi-Fi service deliberately withnew charging in a specific area such as the inside of a constructionwhile subscribing to an expensive MNO network.

Consequently, in the above-described scenario, it is desirable tosatisfy requests of the above-described three parties. First, for theMNO, reduction of the frequency procurement cost, operating expense(OPEX), or capital expenditure (CAPEX) is desirable. For the owner of aspecific area (such as a commercial facility or an accommodation) or thelike, it is desirable to smoothly draw users in a uniquely installedwireless network, so that more service charges can be collected. Forusers, it is desirable to obtain inexpensive, seamless, and stablenetwork connectivity.

In such a scenario, application of the present technology is effective.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when a cellular system transfers orleases the frequency f allocated to the cellular system itself to awireless network that provides a wireless service in a specific area, itis possible to satisfy the requests of the above-described threeparties.

In FIG. 5, a cellular system operated in a specific area is shown inaddition to a cellular system operated by an operator A and a cellularsystem operated by an operator B. The cellular system operated by theoperator A includes an EPC and a macro eNB, and provides a wirelessservice for UE exclusively using a frequency F1 allocated to thecellular system itself. Similarly, the cellular system operated by theoperator B includes an EPC and a macro eNB, and provides a wirelessservice for UE exclusively using a frequency F2 allocated to thecellular system itself. The cellular system operated in a specific areais a system operated by an owner of the specific area or the likeincluding a self-contained EPC and a base station (typically, a smallcell base station). Then, the cellular system operated in the specificarea has an interface with another cellular system, and provides awireless service exclusively using the frequency F1 or F2 transferred orleased from the operator A or B. Accordingly, the above-describedrequests of the three parties are satisfied as will be described below.

First, the owner of the specific area or the like will be described. Itis possible for the owner of the specific area or the like to uniquelyexpand a wireless service and a network of better quality than Wi-Fi orthe like. In addition, since the cellular system operated in thespecific area is limited in provision area of the wireless service, alarge-scale system such as the MNO is not required, and it is possibleto reduce the capital investment cost. In addition, by utilizing anAuthentication/Authorization/Accounting (AAA) entity included in theself-contained EPC, it is possible to easily carry out accounting,authentication, and the like. In addition, since the cellular systemoperated in the specific area is a wireless network similar to thecellular system of the MNO, it is possible to draw UE seamlessly.

Subsequently, the MNO will be described. Since it is possible for theMNO to provide a wireless service for users of the MNO itself utilizinga frequency band allocated to another MNO depending on a method ofcollaboration with the owner of the specific area or the like, it ispossible to reduce the frequency procurement cost. In addition,different network planning or the like for each specific area is notrequired for the MNO, and it is possible to reduce the CAPEX. Theseallow the MNO to reduce the bit cost.

Subsequently, a user will be described. It is possible for the user toobtain network connectivity at low cost because of the reduction of bitcost. In addition, it is possible for the user to seamlessly transitionbetween networks.

An example of the scenario in which application of the new architectureis assumed has been described above. Hereinafter, the new architecturewill be specifically described.

2. CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE

First, a configuration example of a system and each device that arecommon among respective embodiments will be described with reference toFIG. 6 to FIG. 8.

2.1. Configuration Example of System

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an example of a configuration of asystem 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, thesystem 1 according to the present embodiment includes network managers100A, 100B, wireless communication devices 200A-1 to 200A-2, 200B-1 to200B-2, and a frequency management server 300.

(1) Frequency Management Server 300

The frequency management server 300 is a device that manages informationrelated to a frequency utilized by each wireless network by priority.The frequency management server 300 is equivalent to an entity such as ageo-location database or a SAS database, for example. Note that thefrequency management server 300 is equivalent to a frequency managementdevice.

(2) Wireless Communication Device 200

The wireless communication device 200 is a device that provides awireless service for subordinate user equipment on the basis of thecontrol by the network manager 100. The wireless communication device200 is typically a base station such as an eNB, an access point, or thelike. The base station 200 and subordinate user equipment form awireless system.

(3) Network Manager 100

The network manager 100 is an entity that controls a wireless networkincluding a plurality of wireless systems. The network manager 100 maybe equivalent to “Coexistence manager” in IEEE802.19.1, “Spectrumcoordinator” in ETSI EN 303 387, “Proxy/Network manager” in the SASarchitecture, operations, administration, and management (OAM) in acellular network, or a central control device that each businessoperator possesses uniquely, for example.

The network manager 100 has the function of negotiating with thefrequency management server 300 to acquire a high-priority access right.Then, the network manager 100 causes a subordinate wireless system toexercise the high-priority access right to make high-priority access.Here, the high-priority access refers to utilizing a channel by priority(for example, exclusively). In addition, the high-priority access rightis the right for high-priority access, and in other words, refers to theright (for example, a license) to utilize a channel with a high priority(for example, exclusively). In addition, exercising the high-priorityaccess right refers to exercising the right to utilize a channelexclusively to utilize the channel. That is, it is possible for thewireless system to make high-priority access, not only by acquiring thehigh-priority access right, but only after exercising the high-priorityaccess right. This is associated with matters scheduled to be defined inthe SAS. In detail, in the case of the SAS, only the high-priorityaccess right (that is, PAL) is initially granted to a wireless network.Then, it is expected that a specific channel is allocated to thewireless network only after the wireless network requests allocation ofa high-priority channel from a frequency management server on the basisof the high-priority access right, and it is possible to makehigh-priority access in the channel.

In addition, the network manager 100 has the function of representingnegotiation with the frequency management server 300 by another networkmanager 100. For example, the network manager 100A negotiates with thefrequency management server 300 as a proxy for the network manager 100Bnot having an interface with the frequency management server 300.

Here, typically, the network manager 100A and the network manager 1008are operated by different business operators (or managers). As a matterof course, the network manager 100A and the network manager 1008 may beoperated by an identical business operator (or manager).

In addition, an identical business operator may operate a plurality ofnetwork managers 100. In that case, typically, a geographical rangetargeted for management (specifically, a geographical range in which thebase station 200 targeted for control exists) may differ among thenetwork managers 100 operated by an identical business operator. On theother hand, the geographical ranges targeted for management may overlapbetween the network managers 100 operated by different businessoperators. Hereinafter, a geographical range targeted for management issimply referred to as a management region as well. Note that themanagement region may correspond to a census tract, for example.

Note that the base stations 200A-1 to 200A-2 managed by the networkmanager 100A will be collectively referred to as a base station 200A aswell. Similarly, the base stations 200B-1 to 200B-2 managed by thenetwork manager 100B will be collectively referred to as a base station200B as well. The network manager 100A is equivalent to a communicationcontrol device, the network manager 100B is equivalent to anothercommunication control device, the base station 200A is equivalent to afirst wireless communication device, and the base station 200B isequivalent to a second wireless communication device.

(4) Supplement

In the present specification, the priority shall stand for a channelutilization priority. For example, channel priorities in the 3.5 GHzband in the United States are described in descending order ofpriorities as “Priority access license (PAL) channel”>“Reservedchannel”>“general authorized access (GAA) channel”. In addition, thepriority may stand for the type of authorization related to frequencyband utilization shown in Table 1, for example. The types ofauthorization related to frequency band utilization are described indescending order of priorities as “Individual authorization” of“Traditional licensing”>“Individual authorization” of“Light-licensing”>“General authorization” of “Light-licensing” >“Generalauthorization” of “License-exempt”. In addition, the priority may standfor the type of wireless system included in a wireless network targetedfor management of the network manager 100. The types of wireless systemare described in descending order of priorities as “Public safety(Mission critical)”>“Public safety”>“General use (Missioncritical)”>“General use”. In addition, the priority may stand for theproportion that serves the above-described wireless system in thenetwork manager 100. In addition, the priority may stand for themagnitude of an incentive for which a representative procedure is to beperformed. In addition, the priority may stand for the level of apriority of allocated QoS.

In addition, in the present specification, a frequency band sharedbetween a plurality of different wireless networks is also referred toas a shared frequency band. The shared frequency band not only includesbands in which frequency sharing is currently carried out or scheduledto be carried out, such as the TV band, 2.3 GHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 3.55GHz to 3.70 GHz in the United States, and 5 GHz band, for example, butalso includes frequency bands in which frequency sharing will be carriedout in the future.

2.2. Configuration Example of Network Manager

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofthe network manager 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 7, the network manager 100 includes a network communication unit110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 130.

(1) Network Communication Unit 110

The network communication unit 110 transmits/receives information. Forexample, the network communication unit 110 transmits information toanother node, and receives information from another node. For example,the above-described other node includes another network manager 100, asubordinate base station 200, and the frequency management server 300.

(2) Storage Unit 120

The storage unit 120 temporarily or permanently stores a program andvarious types of data for the operation of the network manager 100.

(3) Processing Unit 130 The processing unit 130 provides variousfunctions of the network manager 100. The processing unit 130 includes amanagement unit 131, a negotiation unit 132, an information exchangeunit 133, a report unit 134, and a finding unit 135. Note that theprocessing unit 130 may further include other structural elements otherthan these structural elements. That is, the processing unit 130 mayalso perform operations other than the operations of these structuralelements.

The functions of the management unit 131, the negotiation unit 132, theinformation exchange unit 133, the report unit 134, and the finding unit135 will be described later in detail.

2.3. Configuration Example of Base Station

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofthe base station 200 according to the present embodiment. With referenceto FIG. 8, the base station 200 includes an antenna unit 210, a wirelesscommunication unit 220, a network communication unit 230, a storage unit240, and a processing unit 250.

(1) Antenna Unit 210

The antenna unit 210 emits a signal output from the wirelesscommunication unit 220 into space as a radio wave. In addition, theantenna unit 210 converts a radio wave in space into a signal, andoutputs the signal to the wireless communication unit 220.

(2) Wireless Communication Unit 220

The wireless communication unit 220 transmits/receives signals. Forexample, the wireless communication unit 220 transmits a downlink signalto user equipment, and receives an uplink signal from user equipment.

(3) Network Communication Unit 230

The network communication unit 230 transmits/receives information. Forexample, the network communication unit 230 transmits information toanother node, and receives information from another node. For example,the above-described other node includes another base station 200, a corenetwork node, and the network manager 100 that manages the base station200 itself.

(4) Storage Unit 240

The storage unit 240 temporarily or permanently stores a program andvarious types of data for the operation of the base station 200.

(5) Processing Unit 250

The processing unit 250 provides various functions of the base station200. The processing unit 250 includes a communication control unit 251and a negotiation unit 253. Note that the processing unit 250 mayfurther include other structural elements other than these structuralelements. That is, the processing unit 250 may also perform operationsother than the operations of these structural elements.

The functions of the communication control unit 251 and the negotiationunit 253 will be described later in detail.

3. RESPECTIVE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, respective embodiments will be described in detail.

3.1. First Embodiment

The present embodiment is an embodiment in which the network manager100A performs a procedure related to utilization of a shared frequencyband occurring with the frequency management server 300 as a proxy forthe network manager 1008.

(Technological Characteristics)

The network manager 100 (for example, the management unit 131) managesone or more base stations 200. For example, the network manager 100controls a frequency band to be utilized by one or more subordinatewireless systems (that is, the base station 200 and user equipment). Awireless system including the base station 200A targeted for managementof the network manager 100A will hereinafter be referred to as a firstwireless system as well. In addition, a wireless system including thebase station 200B targeted for management of the network manager 1008will hereinafter be referred to as a second wireless system as well.

The network manager 100A (for example, the negotiation unit 132) has thefunction of negotiating with the frequency management server 300 withregard to utilization of a shared frequency band. For example, thenetwork manager 100A may perform a procedure of acquiring permission toutilize the shared frequency band. In addition, the network manager 100Amay perform a procedure of acquiring the high-priority access right forthe shared frequency band. These procedures typically require payment ofcompensation. In addition, the network manager 100A may perform aprocedure of acquiring information related to the shared frequency bandfrom the frequency management server 300.

In addition, the network manager 100A (for example, the negotiation unit132) has the function of negotiating with the frequency managementserver 300 as a proxy for the network manager 1008. For example, thenetwork manager 100A may represent the procedure of acquiring permissionto utilize the shared frequency band. In addition, the network manager100A may represent a procedure of acquiring the high-priority accessright of the shared frequency band. In addition, the network manager100A may represent a procedure of acquiring information related to theshared frequency band from the frequency management server 300.

Then, the network manager 100A (for example, the information exchangeunit 133) exchanges information related to frequency sharing by the basestation 200B with the network manager 1008. The information related tofrequency sharing indicates the whole information exchanged between thenetwork manager 100A and the network manager 1008 with regard toutilization of the shared frequency band by the base station 200B.

Above all, information related to frequency sharing according to thepresent embodiment includes information acquired by the network manager100A from the frequency management server 300 as a proxy for the networkmanager 1008. Hereinafter, the information related to frequency sharingaccording to the present embodiment will be specifically described.

For example, the information related to frequency sharing may includeinformation related to a frequency band in which high-priority accesscan be made. Specifically, the information related to frequency sharingmay include information indicating a priority of each channel.

In addition, the information related to frequency sharing may includeinformation for utilizing a frequency band in which high-priority accesscan be made. Specifically, the information related to frequency sharingmay include a validity period of channel information, channelutilization condition, and the like.

In addition, the information related to frequency sharing may includeinformation related to the high-priority access right. Specifically, theinformation related to frequency sharing may include informationindicating which wireless network is granted the high-priority accessright, information related to a frequency band for which thehigh-priority access right has been acquired, information related to afrequency band for which the high-priority access right has already beenexercised, and the like. Note that the high-priority access right hereinmay be the right acquired for the base station 200A, may be the rightacquired for the base station 200B by proxy, or may be the rightacquired by another network manager 100.

In addition, the information related to frequency sharing may includeinformation related to protection of a user of a high-priority frequencyband. Specifically, the information related to frequency sharing mayinclude positional information of a user (the base station 200 or userequipment) of a high-priority channel, information indicating a utilizedchannel, information indicating the maximum transmission power, and thelike.

In addition, the information related to frequency sharing may includeinformation related to frequency utilization informed by the frequencymanagement server 300. Specifically, the information related tofrequency sharing may include information related to update of anavailable channel list, and the like.

These pieces of information related to frequency sharing may beassociated with a geographical range (for example, a management region).That is, the information related to frequency sharing may be informationabout each management region.

(Flow of Processing)

Hereinafter, a flow of processing for the network manager 100B toacquire information related to frequency sharing will be described withreference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of acquiring information related to frequency sharingexecuted in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shownin FIG. 9, first, the network manager 1008 transmits a request forinformation related to frequency sharing to the network manager 100A(step S102). Then, the network manager 100A sends back the requestedinformation related to frequency sharing to the network manager 100B(step S104). Note that the network manager 100A may negotiate with thefrequency management server 300 prior to reply to acquire informationrelated to frequency sharing. Accordingly, the process ends.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of acquiring information related to frequency sharingexecuted in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shownin FIG. 10, first, the network manager 100A transmits informationrelated to frequency sharing to the network manager 100B (step S112).Note that the network manager 100A may negotiate with the frequencymanagement server 300 prior to transmission to acquire informationrelated to frequency sharing. Then, the network manager 100B transmits aresponse related to the receipt of the information related to frequencysharing to the network manager 100A (step S114). Accordingly, theprocess ends.

(Application Example)

According to the present embodiment, it is possible for the networkmanager 1008 not having connectivity to the frequency management server300 to acquire information related to frequency sharing acquired by thenetwork manager 100A by proxy. In addition, it is possible for thenetwork manager 100B not having connectivity to the frequency managementserver 300 to acquire the high-priority access right acquired by thenetwork manager 100A by proxy, and to cause the subordinate base station200B to exercise the high-priority access right. In addition, it ispossible for the network manager 100A and the network manager 100B tocarry out coexisting control of mutual subordinate wireless systems byexchanging information related to the subordinate wireless systems.

3.2. Second Embodiment

The present embodiment is an embodiment in which a high-priority accessright is transferred or leased between different wireless networks. Notethat transfer shall be a concept including selling.

(Technological Characteristics)

The network manager 100A (for example, the negotiation unit 132)acquires a high-priority access right from the frequency managementserver 300. A frequency band for which the high-priority access rightacquired by the network manager 100A has been exercised may be typicallyutilized by the base station 200A. However, above all, in the presentembodiment, a frequency band for which the high-priority access rightacquired by the network manager 100A has been exercised may be utilizedby the base station 200B. Therefore, the network manager 100A (forexample, the negotiation unit 132) transfers or leases the acquiredhigh-priority access right to the network manager 1008 in accordancewith a request from the network manager 1008. Note that thehigh-priority access right may be transferred or leased prior toexercise, or may be transferred or leased after exercise (that is, aftera frequency band in which high-priority access can be made is defined).

A frequency band transferred or leased to and utilized by the basestation 200B may be a frequency band whose rate of utilization by thebase station 200A is low. For example, the case where a channel in whichhigh-priority access can be made is identical in the management regionof the network manager 100A and the management region of the networkmanager 1008 is assumed. In this case, the network manager 100Atransfers or leases the high-priority access right of the channel whoserate of utilization by the base station 200A is low to the networkmanager 1008. Accordingly, it is possible for the network manager 100Bto resolve the shortage of the frequency resource. In addition, it ispossible for the network manager 100A to prevent the high-priorityaccess right obtained by the payment of compensation from being wasted,and additionally to reduce a loss because of the sales amount or rent.In addition, the frequency utilization efficiency of the whole system 1is improved.

In addition, the frequency band transferred or leased to and utilized bythe base station 200B may be a frequency band not utilized as a primarycell of carrier aggregation by the base station 200A. For example, thecase where a channel in which high-priority access can be made isidentical in the management region of the network manager 100A and themanagement region of the network manager 1008 is assumed. In that case,the network manager 100A transfers or leases the high-priority accessright of a channel not used for a primary cell (or primary componentcarrier) application of carrier aggregation to the network manager 1008.Limitation to a channel not used for the primary cell application is forpreventing handovers within a network of a transfer origin or leaseorigin (that is, the wireless network including the base station 200A)from occurring explosively. By transferring or leasing the high-priorityaccess right with such a restriction, the frequency utilizationefficiency of the whole system 1 can be improved while suppressing aburden on the wireless network of the transfer origin or lease origin.

In addition, the frequency band transferred or leased to and utilized bythe base station 200B may be a frequency band which overlaps between themanagement region of the network manager 100A and the management regionof the network manager 100B and in which high-priority access can bemade. For example, the case where channels in which high-priority accesscan be made partly overlap between the management region of the networkmanager 100A and the management region of the network manager 100B isassumed. In that case, the network manager 100A transfers or leases thehigh-priority access right for an overlapping channel to the networkmanager 100B. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a difference inpriority of an identical channel from occurring between differentmanagement regions. Hence, it is possible for user equipment belongingto a wireless system of a transfer destination or lease destination tomake high-priority access to an identical channel across a plurality ofmanagement regions.

Here, the network manager 100A may transfer or lease the high-priorityaccess right only in the case where a predetermined condition issatisfied. For example, the network manager 100A may transfer or leasethe high-priority access right in a range where the number ofhigh-priority access rights held by the network manager 1008 does notexceed the upper limit value. Accordingly, it is possible to comply withlaws and regulations, for example. In the case of the 3.5 GHz band inthe United States, for example, it is regulated by law that PALs forfour channels shall be the upper limit value of the number of PALs heldper license area.

The network manager 100A (for example, the report unit 134) reportsinformation related to a frequency band utilized by the base station200B to the frequency management server 300. Accordingly, it is possiblefor the frequency management server 300 to grasp information related tothe high-priority access right transferred or leased from the networkmanager 100A to the network manager 1008. Hence, it is possible for thefrequency management server 300 to appropriately allocate a frequency toeach wireless network considering transfer or lease of the high-priorityaccess right. The reported information may include, for example,information (for example, ID, management region, utilization condition,and the like) related to the network manager 100B of the transferdestination or lease destination, and information indicatingcompensation.

(Flow of Processing)

Hereinafter, a flow of processing related to transfer or lease of ahigh-priority access right will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of transferring or leasing a high-priority access rightexecuted in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shownin FIG. 11, first, the network manager 1008 transmits a transfer/leaserequest of a high-priority access right to the network manager 100A(step S202). Next, the network manager 100A makes a determination abouttransfer/lease of the high-priority access right (step S204). Forexample, the network manager 100A determines whether or not totransfer/lease the high-priority access right on the basis of afrequency band whose utilization efficiency by the base station 200A islow or which is not utilized for primary cell application, channelpriority information, the number of high-priority access rights held bythe network manager 1008, or the like. Next, the network manager 100Atransmits a response to the transfer/lease request of the high-priorityaccess right to the network manager 1008 (step S206). This responseincludes information indicating whether or not to transfer/lease thehigh-priority access right and in the case of performing transfer/lease,information related to the target high-priority access right. Then, inthe case of transferring/leasing the high-priority access right, thenetwork manager 100A transmits a report on transfer/lease of thehigh-priority access right to the frequency management server 300 (stepS208).

(Application Example)

According to the present embodiment, it is possible for the networkmanager 100A to transfer or lease a high-priority access right lessnecessary for a subordinate wireless network to the network manager1008. Accordingly, the high-priority access right can be effectivelyutilized between a plurality of business operators, for example.

3.3. Third Embodiment

The present embodiment is an embodiment of performing secondaryutilization of a frequency band in which high-priority access is beingcarried out between different wireless networks.

Here, in the present embodiment, the network manager 100A and thefrequency management server 300 shall be formed physically in anintegral manner. In addition, in the present embodiment, an embodimentin which the network manager 1008 not having the frequency managementserver 300 makes access to the network manager 100A shall be assumed.

(Technological Characteristics)

As a first example, the network manager 100A may permit the base station200B to secondarily utilize a frequency on the basis of a request fromthe network manager 1008. Information related to frequency sharingexchanged between the network manager 100A and the network manager 1008in that case will be described.

The information related to frequency sharing may include a request fromthe network manager 1008 to the network manager 100A for causing thebase station 200B to utilize a frequency band in which high-priorityaccess can be made, and a corresponding response. This request is alsoreferred to as a first frequency secondary utilization request, and aresponse corresponding to the first frequency secondary utilizationrequest is also referred to as a first frequency secondary utilizationresponse. The first frequency secondary utilization request may includeinformation indicating the management region of the network manager100B, information indicating the geographical position of the basestation 200B, and installation information indicating whether the basestation 200B is installed indoors or outdoors. In addition, the firstfrequency secondary utilization response may include informationindicating permission or non-permission of the first frequency secondaryutilization response. In addition, in the case of permission, the firstfrequency secondary utilization response may include channel informationrelated to the permitted frequency band, utilization condition,utilization region, maximum transmission power, and informationindicating a validity period.

As a second example, the network manager 100A may request frequencysecondary utilization to the network manager 1008. Information relatedto frequency sharing exchanged between the network manager 100A and thenetwork manager 1008 in that case will be described.

The information related to frequency sharing may include a request fromthe network manager 100A to the network manager 1008 for causing thebase station 200B to utilize a frequency band in which high-priorityaccess can be made, and a corresponding response. This request is alsoreferred to as a second frequency secondary utilization request, and aresponse corresponding to the second frequency secondary utilizationrequest is also referred to as a second frequency secondary utilizationresponse. The second frequency secondary utilization request may includeinformation similar to the above-described first frequency secondaryutilization response.

The network manager 100A (for example, the negotiation unit 132)determines carrying out/not carrying out secondary utilization. Forexample, in the second example, in the case where, if the base station200B is utilized, it is possible to ensure network coverage which isdifficult to ensure with the base station 200A, the network manager 100Adetermines carrying out secondary utilization, and transmits the secondfrequency secondary utilization request. However, the network manager100A may determine carrying out secondary utilization in the case wherea target second wireless system is installed indoors, and may determinenot carrying out secondary utilization in the case where the targetsecond wireless system is installed outdoors. This is because, in thecase where the base station 200B installed outdoors secondarily utilizesa frequency, the probability that interference with the base station200A occurs is high. Similarly with regard to the first example, thenetwork manager 100A determines carrying out/not carrying out secondaryutilization.

In addition, in either of the first example and the second example, thenetwork manager 100A (for example, the report unit 134) reportsinformation related to a frequency band secondarily utilized by the basestation 200B to the frequency management server 300. Accordingly, it ispossible for the frequency management server 300 to grasp informationrelated to the frequency band secondarily utilized by the base station200B. Hence, it is possible for the frequency management server 300 toappropriately allocate a frequency to each wireless network consideringsecondary utilization of the frequency band. The reported informationmay include information (for example, ID, geographical positioninformation) related to the base station 200B performing secondaryutilization, channel utilization information, and the like, for example.

(Flow of Processing)

Hereinafter, a flow of processing related to secondary utilization of afrequency band in which high-priority access is being made will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. Note that FIG. 12illustrates a flow of processing related to the first example, and FIG.12 illustrates a flow of processing related to the second example.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of secondary utilization of a frequency band in whichhigh-priority access is being made that is executed in the system 1according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, first, thenetwork manager 1008 transmits the first frequency secondary utilizationrequest to the network manager 100A (step S302). Next, the networkmanager 100A makes a determination about frequency secondary utilizationon the basis of the first frequency secondary utilization request (stepS304). For example, the network manager 100A determines whether or notto permit frequency secondary utilization, and in the case ofpermission, determines a frequency band to be secondarily utilized.Next, the network manager 100A transmits the first frequency secondaryutilization response including information indicating a determinationresult in step S304 to the network manager 1008 (step S306). Then, inthe case where frequency secondary utilization is to be permitted, thenetwork manager 100A transmits a report on frequency secondaryutilization to the frequency management server 300 (step S308).

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of secondary utilization of a frequency band in whichhigh-priority access is being made that is executed in the system 1according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, first, thenetwork manager 100A makes a determination about frequency secondaryutilization (step S312). For example, in the case where the base station200B installed indoors in a specific geographical region where it isdifficult to ensure network coverage with the subordinate base station200A exists, the network manager 100A determines causing the basestation 200B to perform frequency secondary utilization. Next, thenetwork manager 100A transmits the second frequency secondaryutilization request to the network manager 1008 that manages the basestation 200B to be caused to carry out frequency secondary utilization(step S314). Next, the network manager 100B determines the propriety ofcarrying out frequency secondary utilization, and transmits the secondfrequency secondary utilization response including informationindicating a determination result to the network manager 100A (stepS316). Then, in the case where the base station 200B carries outfrequency secondary utilization, the network manager 100A transmits thereport on frequency secondary utilization to the frequency managementserver 300 (step S318).

(Application Example)

For example, in a specific geographical region, the case where networkcoverage can be ensured if the base station 200B is included althoughnetwork coverage cannot be ensured only with the base station 200A isassumed. In such a case, as described with regard to the second example,it is possible for the network manager 100A to ensure network coverageby transmitting the second frequency secondary utilization request tothe network manager 1008. Hence, it is possible for the network manager100A to provide subordinate user equipment with network coverage in anidentical frequency band. Hence, it is possible for the user equipmentto avoid burdensome processing of measurement in different frequencybands (Inter-frequency measurement). Note that the user equipment mayperform processing so as to avoid roaming at a handover from the basestation 200A to the base station 200B. In addition, interference due tooutdoor secondary utilization is prevented by experiencing thedetermination based on outdoor/indoor. Such an application example is asthe scenario described above with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

The same applies to the first example. That is, it is possible for thenetwork manager 1008 to ensure network coverage by transmitting thefirst frequency secondary utilization request to the network manager100A.

3.4. Fourth Embodiment

The present embodiment is an embodiment of performing carrieraggregation including frequency sharing between wireless systemsbelonging to different network managers 100.

(Technological Characteristics)

The base station 200 (for example, the communication control unit 251)according to the present embodiment performs carrier aggregation using afrequency band that the base station 200 itself provides and a frequencyband provided by frequency sharing by the base station 200 managed byanother network manager 100. Note that either frequency band may be usedas a primary cell.

Therefore, the base station 200 (for example, the negotiation unit 253)transmits a message requesting processing for carrying out carrieraggregation including the above-described frequency sharing to thenetwork manager 100 that manages the base station 200 itself. Themessage is a message requesting exchange of information for carrying outcarrier aggregation through use of a frequency band provided byfrequency sharing by another base station 200, the information beingrelated to frequency sharing between the network manager 100 thatmanages the base station 200 itself and another network manager 100 thatmanages the other base station 200. Then, the network manager 100 (forexample, the information exchange unit 133) exchanges informationrelated to frequency sharing with the other network manager 100 forcarrying out carrier aggregation including the above-described frequencysharing. Hereinafter, information related to frequency sharing exchangedin the present embodiment will be described. Note that, hereinafter, forthe sake of description, the base station 200 that transmits theabove-described message is referred to as the base station 200A, and thebase station 200 to which the above-described message is transmitted isreferred to as the base station 200B. As a matter of course, thisrelation may be inversed.

For example, the information related to frequency sharing includesinformation related to carrier aggregation of a frequency band that thebase station 200A provides and a frequency band that the base station200B provides by frequency sharing. In detail, the information relatedto frequency sharing includes a message requesting the base station 200Bto make the frequency band for carrier aggregation available byfrequency sharing. Accordingly, it is possible to carry out carrieraggregation through use of the frequency band provided by the basestation 200A and the frequency band provided by frequency sharing by thebase station 200B.

Specifically, the network manager 100A (for example, the negotiationunit 132) requests the base station 200B by way of the network manager100B to set a channel, which is different from a channel that the basestation 200A is utilizing, as a component carrier.

For example, in the case where the base station 200A is makinghigh-priority access, a channel to which the base station 200A is makinghigh-priority access may be set as primary, and a channel for which thebase station 200B is caused to perform frequency sharing may be set assecondary. Therefore, the network manager 100A may transfer or lease thehigh-priority access right to the network manager 1008. Note that thechannel to be set as secondary may have any priority.

On the other hand, in the case where the base station 200A is not makinghigh-priority access, a channel to which the base station 200A is makinglow-priority access may be set as secondary, and a channel to which thebase station 200B is caused to make high-priority access may be set asprimary. Therefore, the network manager 100A may transfer or lease thehigh-priority access right to the network manager 1008. In addition, thenetwork manager 100A or 1008 may perform processing such that roamingdue to a handover across the network manager 100 does not occur.

The information for frequency sharing exchanged between the networkmanagers 100 for carrier aggregation including the above-describedfrequency sharing has been described above.

The network manager 100A (for example, the finding unit 135) finds thenetwork manager 100B having the base station 200B existing around thebase station 200A as a management target before exchanging informationfor frequency sharing. For example, the network manager 100A may findthe network manager 1008 by referring to a measurement result obtainedby the base station 200A. In addition, the network manager 100A may findthe network manager 100B by referring to information that the networkmanager 100A itself stores.

(Flow of Processing)

Hereinafter, a flow of processing related to carrier aggregationincluding frequency sharing will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow ofprocessing of carrier aggregation including frequency sharing executedin the system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG.14, first, the base station 200A transmits a carrier aggregation requestto the network manager 100A (step S402). The carrier aggregation requestherein is a message requesting information exchange between the networkmanager 100A and the network manager 100B for carrying out carrieraggregation through use of a frequency band provided by frequencysharing by the base station 2008. Next, the network manager 100A findsthe network manager 100 that manages the base station 200 to whichfrequency sharing is to be requested (step S404). For example, thenetwork manager 100A finds the base station 200B that manages the basestation 200B existing around the base station 200A. Next, the networkmanager 100A transmits the carrier aggregation request to the foundnetwork manager 1008 (step S406). The carrier aggregation request hereinis a message requesting the base station 200B to make the frequency bandfor carrier aggregation available by frequency sharing. Next, thenetwork manager 1008 transmits a carrier activation request to the basestation 200B in accordance with the received carrier aggregation request(step S408). The carrier activation request herein is a messagerequesting activation of a component carrier utilized for carrieraggregation. Then, the base station 200B activates the designatedcomponent carrier in accordance with the received carrier activationrequest (step S410). Thereafter, the base station 200B transmits aresponse indicating an activation result to the base station 200A by wayof the network manager 1008 and the network manager 100A (steps S412,S414, and S416). Accordingly, the process ends.

(Application Example)

According to the present embodiment, carrier aggregation betweendifferent business operators is made possible. In addition, even in anidentical business operator, carrier aggregation between subordinatebase stations 200 of different network managers 100 is made possible.This is effective in the case where an available channel varies amongmanagement regions.

4. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to variousproducts. For example, the network manager 100 may be realized as aserver of any type such as a tower server, a rack server, a bladeserver, or the like. In addition, at least some of these constituentelements of the network manager 100 may be implemented by a modulemounted in a server (e.g., an integrated circuit module configured inone die or a card or a blade inserted into a slot of a blade server).

Further, the base station 200 may be realized as any type of evolvednode B (eNB), for example, a macro eNB, a small eNB, or the like. Asmall eNB may be an eNB that covers a smaller cell than a macro cell,such as a pico eNB, a micro eNB, or a home (femto) eNB. Alternatively,the base station 200 may be realized as another type of base stationsuch as a node B or a base transceiver station (BTS). The base station200 may include a main body that controls radio communication (alsoreferred to as a base station device) and one or more remote radio heads(RRHs) disposed in a different place from the main body. In addition,various types of terminals to be described below may operate as the basestation 200 by temporarily or semi-permanently executing the basestation function. Further, at least some of constituent elements of thebase station 200 may be implemented by the base station device or amodule for the base station device.

4.1. Application Example with Regard to Network Manager

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematicconfiguration of a server 700 to which the technology of the presentdisclosure may be applied. The server 700 includes a processor 701, amemory 702, a storage 703, a network interface 704, and a bus 706.

The processor 701 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU)or a digital signal processor (DSP) and controls various functions ofthe server 700. The memory 702 includes a random access memory (RAM) anda read only memory (ROM) and stores programs executed by the processor701 and data. The storage 703 can include a storage medium such as asemiconductor memory or a hard disk.

The network interface 704 is a wired communication interface forconnecting the server 700 to a wired communication network 705. Thewired communication network 705 may be a core network such as an evolvedpacket core (EPC) or a packet data network (PDN) such as the Internet.

The bus 706 connects the processor 701, the memory 702, the storage 703,and the network interface 704 to each other. The bus 706 may include twoor more buses that operate at different speeds (e.g., a high-speed busand a low-speed bus).

In the server 700 illustrated in FIG. 15, one or more constituentelements (the management unit 131, the negotiation unit 132, theinformation exchange unit 133, the report unit 134, and/or the findingunit 135) included in the network manager 100 described with referenceto FIG. 7 may be implemented by the processor 701. As an example, aprogram for causing a processor to function as the one or moreconstituent elements (i.e., a program for causing a processor to executeoperations of the one or more constituent elements) may be installed inthe server 700 and the processor 701 may execute the program. As anotherexample, a module including the processor 701 and the memory 702 may bemounted in the server 700 and the one or more constituent elements maybe implemented by the module. In this case, the module may store aprogram for causing a processor to function as the one or moreconstituent elements in the memory 702 and the program may be executedby the processor 701. The server 700 or the module may be provided asdevices having the one or more constituent elements as described above,or the program for causing a processor to function as the one or moreconstituent elements may be provided. In addition, a readable recordingmedium in which the program is recorded may be provided.

In addition, in the server 700 shown in FIG. 15, the networkcommunication unit 110 described, for example, with reference to FIG. 7may be implemented by the network interface 704. Moreover, the storageunit 120 may be implemented by the memory 702 and/or the storage 703.

<4.2. Application Example with Regard to Base Station] First ApplicationExample

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a first example of a schematicconfiguration of an eNB to which the technology of the presentdisclosure may be applied. An eNB 800 includes one or more antennas 810and a base station device 820. Each antenna 810 and the base stationdevice 820 may be connected to each other via an RF cable.

Each of the antennas 810 includes a single or multiple antenna elements(such as multiple antenna elements included in an MIMO antenna), and isused for the base station device 820 to transmit and receive radiosignals. The eNB 800 may include the multiple antennas 810, asillustrated in FIG. 16. For example, the multiple antennas 810 may becompatible with multiple frequency bands used by the eNB 800. AlthoughFIG. 16 illustrates the example in which the eNB 800 includes themultiple antennas 810, the eNB 800 may also include a single antenna810.

The base station device 820 includes a controller 821, a memory 822, anetwork interface 823, and a wireless communication interface 825.

The controller 821 may be, for example, a CPU or a DSP, and operatesvarious functions of a higher layer of the base station device 820. Forexample, the controller 821 generates a data packet from data in signalsprocessed by the wireless communication interface 825, and transfers thegenerated packet via the network interface 823. The controller 821 maybundle data from multiple base band processors to generate the bundledpacket, and transfer the generated bundled packet. The controller 821may have logical functions of performing control such as radio resourcecontrol, radio bearer control, mobility management, admission control,and scheduling. The control may be performed in corporation with an eNBor a core network node in the vicinity. The memory 822 includes RAM andROM, and stores a program that is executed by the controller 821, andvarious types of control data (such as a terminal list, transmissionpower data, and scheduling data).

The network interface 823 is a communication interface for connectingthe base station device 820 to a core network 824. The controller 821may communicate with a core network node or another eNB via the networkinterface 823. In this case, the eNB 800 may be connected to a corenetwork node or another eNB through a logical interface (e.g. S1interface or X2 interface). The network interface 823 may also be awired communication interface or a wireless communication interface forwireless backhaul. If the network interface 823 is a wirelesscommunication interface, the network interface 823 may use a higherfrequency band for wireless communication than a frequency band used bythe wireless communication interface 825.

The wireless communication interface 825 supports any cellularcommunication scheme such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced,and provides radio connection to a terminal positioned in a cell of theeNB 800 via the antenna 810. The wireless communication interface 825may typically include, for example, a baseband (BB) processor 826 and anRF circuit 827. The BB processor 826 may perform, for example,encoding/decoding, modulating/demodulating, andmultiplexing/demultiplexing, and performs various types of signalprocessing of layers (such as L1, medium access control (MAC), radiolink control (RLC), and a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)). TheBB processor 826 may have a part or all of the above-described logicalfunctions instead of the controller 821. The BB processor 826 may be amemory that stores a communication control program, or a module thatincludes a processor and a related circuit configured to execute theprogram. Updating the program may allow the functions of the BBprocessor 826 to be changed. The module may be a card or a blade that isinserted into a slot of the base station device 820. Alternatively, themodule may also be a chip that is mounted on the card or the blade.Meanwhile, the RF circuit 827 may include, for example, a mixer, afilter, and an amplifier, and transmits and receives radio signals viathe antenna 810.

The wireless communication interface 825 may include the multiple BBprocessors 826, as illustrated in FIG. 16. For example, the multiple BBprocessors 826 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used bythe eNB 800. The wireless communication interface 825 may include themultiple RF circuits 827, as illustrated in FIG. 16. For example, themultiple RF circuits 827 may be compatible with multiple antennaelements. Although FIG. 16 illustrates the example in which the wirelesscommunication interface 825 includes the multiple BB processors 826 andthe multiple RF circuits 827, the wireless communication interface 825may also include a single BB processor 826 or a single RF circuit 827.

In the eNB 800 shown in FIG. 16, one or more constituent elements (thecommunication control unit 251 and/or the negotiation unit 253) includedin the base station 200 described with reference to FIG. 8 may beimplemented by the wireless communication interface 825. Alternatively,at least some of these constituent elements may be implemented by thecontroller 821. As an example, a module which includes a part (forexample, the BB processor 826) or all of the wireless communicationinterface 825 and/or the controller 821 may be mounted in the eNB 800,and the one or more constituent elements may be implemented by themodule. In this case, the module may store a program for causing theprocessor to function as the one or more constituent elements (i.e., aprogram for causing the processor to execute operations of the one ormore constituent elements) and may execute the program. As anotherexample, the program for causing the processor to function as the one ormore constituent elements may be installed in the eNB 800, and thewireless communication interface 825 (for example, the BB processor 826)and/or the controller 821 may execute the program. As described above,the eNB 800, the base station device 820 or the module may be providedas a device which includes the one or more constituent elements, and theprogram for causing the processor to function as the one or moreconstituent elements may be provided. In addition, a readable recordingmedium in which the program is recorded may be provided.

In addition, in the eNB 800 shown in FIG. 16, the wireless communicationunit 220 described with reference to FIG. 8 may be implemented by thewireless communication interface 825 (for example, the RF circuit 827).Moreover, the antenna unit 210 may be implemented by the antenna 810.Moreover, the network communication unit 230 may be implemented by thecontroller 821 and/or the network interface 823. Further, the storageunit 240 may be implemented by the memory 822.

Second Application Example

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of a schematicconfiguration of an eNB to which the technology of the presentdisclosure may be applied. An eNB 830 includes one or more antennas 840,a base station device 850, and an RRH 860. Each antenna 840 and the RRH860 may be connected to each other via an RF cable. The base stationdevice 850 and the RRH 860 may be connected to each other via a highspeed line such as an optical fiber cable.

Each of the antennas 840 includes a single or multiple antenna elements(such as multiple antenna elements included in an MIMO antenna), and isused for the RRH 860 to transmit and receive radio signals. The eNB 830may include the multiple antennas 840, as illustrated in FIG. 17. Forexample, the multiple antennas 840 may be compatible with multiplefrequency bands used by the eNB 830. Although FIG. 17 illustrates theexample in which the eNB 830 includes the multiple antennas 840, the eNB830 may also include a single antenna 840.

The base station device 850 includes a controller 851, a memory 852, anetwork interface 853, a wireless communication interface 855, and aconnection interface 857. The controller 851, the memory 852, and thenetwork interface 853 are the same as the controller 821, the memory822, and the network interface 823 described with reference to FIG. 16.

The wireless communication interface 855 supports any cellularcommunication scheme such as LTE and LTE-Advanced, and provides wirelesscommunication to a terminal positioned in a sector corresponding to theRRH 860 via the RRH 860 and the antenna 840. The wireless communicationinterface 855 may typically include, for example, a BB processor 856.The BB processor 856 is the same as the BB processor 826 described withreference to FIG. 16, except the BB processor 856 is connected to the RFcircuit 864 of the RRH 860 via the connection interface 857. Thewireless communication interface 855 may include the multiple BBprocessors 856, as illustrated in FIG. 17. For example, the multiple BBprocessors 856 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used bythe eNB 830. Although FIG. 17 illustrates the example in which thewireless communication interface 855 includes the multiple BB processors856, the wireless communication interface 855 may also include a singleBB processor 856.

The connection interface 857 is an interface for connecting the basestation device 850 (wireless communication interface 855) to the RRH860. The connection interface 857 may also be a communication module forcommunication in the above-described high speed line that connects thebase station device 850 (wireless communication interface 855) to theRRH 860.

The RRH 860 includes a connection interface 861 and a wirelesscommunication interface 863.

The connection interface 861 is an interface for connecting the RRH 860(wireless communication interface 863) to the base station device 850.The connection interface 861 may also be a communication module forcommunication in the above-described high speed line.

The wireless communication interface 863 transmits and receives radiosignals via the antenna 840. The wireless communication interface 863may typically include, for example, the RF circuit 864. The RF circuit864 may include, for example, a mixer, a filter, and an amplifier, andtransmits and receives radio signals via the antenna 840. The wirelesscommunication interface 863 may include multiple RF circuits 864, asillustrated in FIG. 17. For example, the multiple RF circuits 864 maysupport multiple antenna elements. Although FIG. 17 illustrates theexample in which the wireless communication interface 863 includes themultiple RF circuits 864, the wireless communication interface 863 mayalso include a single RF circuit 864.

In the eNB 830 shown in FIG. 17, one or more constituent elements (thecommunication control unit 251 and/or the negotiation unit 253)described with reference to FIG. 8 included in the base station 200 maybe implemented by the wireless communication interface 855 and/or thewireless communication interface 863. Alternatively, at least some ofthese constituent elements may be implemented by the controller 851. Asan example, a module which includes a part (for example, the BBprocessor 856) or all of the wireless communication interface 855 and/orthe controller 851 may be mounted in the eNB 830, and the one or moreconstituent elements may be implemented by the module. In this case, themodule may store a program for causing the processor to function as theone or more constituent elements (i.e., a program for causing theprocessor to execute operations of the one or more constituent elements)and may execute the program. As another example, the program for causingthe processor to function as the one or more constituent elements may beinstalled in the eNB 830, and the wireless communication interface 855and/or the controller 851 may execute the program. As described above,the eNB 830, the base station device 850 or the module may be providedas a device which includes the one or more constituent elements, and theprogram for causing the processor to function as the one or moreconstituent elements may be provided. In addition, a readable recordingmedium in which the program is recorded may be provided.

In addition, in the eNB 830 shown in FIG. 17, the wireless communicationunit 220 described, for example, with reference to FIG. 8 may beimplemented by the wireless communication interface 863 (for example,the RF circuit 864). Moreover, the antenna unit 210 may be implementedby the antenna 840. Moreover, the network communication unit 230 may beimplemented by the controller 851 and/or the network interface 853.Further, the storage unit 240 may be implemented by the memory 852.

5. CONCLUSION

One embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above indetail with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 17. As described above, thenetwork manager 100A according to the present embodiment manages one ormore base stations 200A, and exchanges information related to frequencysharing by the base station 200B with the network manager 100B thatmanages one or more base stations 200B, and this information related tofrequency sharing includes information related to a frequency band inwhich high-priority access can be made. Such a configuration allows thenetwork manager 100A and the network manager 100B to exchangeinformation for sharing a high-priority frequency allocated to the basestation 200 that each of the network manager 100A and the networkmanager 100B manages, so that more efficient utilization of thefrequency resource is achieved.

The preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure has/have beendescribed above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst thepresent disclosure is not limited to the above examples. A personskilled in the art may find various alterations and modifications withinthe scope of the appended claims, and it should be understood that theywill naturally come under the technical scope of the present disclosure.

The processing described herein with reference to the flowcharts and thesequence diagrams does not necessarily have to be executed in theillustrated order. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. Inaddition, additional processing steps may also be adopted, while some ofthe processing steps may be omitted.

Further, the effects described in this specification are merelyillustrative or exemplified effects, and are not limitative. That is,with or in the place of the above effects, the technology according tothe present disclosure may achieve other effects that are clear to thoseskilled in the art from the description of this specification.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1)

A communication control device including:

a management unit configured to manage one or more first wirelesscommunication devices; and

an information exchange unit configured to exchange, with anothercommunication control device that manages one or more second wirelesscommunication devices, information related to frequency sharing by thesecond wireless communication devices, in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes informationrelated to a frequency band in which high-priority access can be made.

(2)

The communication control device according to (1), in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes information forutilizing the frequency band in which high-priority access can be made.

(3)

The communication control device according to (1) or (2), in which

the information related to frequency sharing is associated with ageographical range.

(4)

The communication control device according to any one of (1) to (3), inwhich

the information related to frequency sharing includes informationrelated to a right for high-priority access.

(5)

The communication control device according to (4), in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes informationrelated to a frequency band for which the right has been acquired.

(6)

The communication control device according to (4) or (5), in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes informationrelated to a frequency band for which the right is being exercised.

(7)

The communication control device according to any one of (1) to (6), inwhich

the other communication control device is operated by a businessoperator different from the communication control device.

(8)

The communication control device according to any one of (1) to (7),further including:

a finding unit configured to find the other communication control devicethat manages the second wireless communication device existing aroundthe first wireless communication device.

(9)

The communication control device according to (8), in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes informationrelated to carrier aggregation of a frequency band that the firstwireless communication device provides and a frequency band that thesecond wireless communication device provides by frequency sharing.

(10)

The communication control device according to (9), in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes a messagerequesting the second wireless communication device to make thefrequency band for carrier aggregation available by frequency sharing.

(11)

The communication control device according to any one of (1) to (10),further including:

a negotiation unit configured to acquire a right for high-priorityaccess from a frequency management device, in which

a frequency band for which the right for high-priority access acquiredby the negotiation unit is exercised is utilized by the second wirelesscommunication device.

(12)

The communication control device according to (11), in which

the frequency band utilized by the second wireless communication deviceis a frequency band whose rate of utilization by the first wirelesscommunication device is low.

(13)

The communication control device according to (11) or (12), in which

the frequency band utilized by the second wireless communication deviceis a frequency band not utilized as a primary cell of carrieraggregation by the first wireless communication device.

(14)

The communication control device according to any one of (1) to (13), inwhich

the information related to frequency sharing includes a request from theother communication control device to the communication control devicefor causing the second wireless communication device to utilize afrequency band in which high-priority access can be made.

(15)

The communication control device according to (14), in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes informationindicating a geographical position of the second wireless communicationdevice.

(16)

The communication control device according to (14) or (15), in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes informationindicating whether the second wireless communication device is installedindoors or outdoors.

(17)

The communication control device according to any one of (1) to (16), inwhich

the information related to frequency sharing includes a request from thecommunication control device to the other communication control devicefor causing the second wireless communication device to utilize afrequency band in which high-priority access can be made.

(18)

A communication control method including:

managing one or more first wireless communication devices by aprocessor; and

with another communication control device that manages one or moresecond wireless communication devices, exchanging, by an informationexchange unit, information related to frequency sharing by the secondwireless communication devices, in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes informationrelated to a frequency band in which high-priority access can be made.

(19)

A program for causing a computer to function as a communication controldevice including:

a management unit configured to manage one or more first wirelesscommunication devices; and

an information exchange unit configured to exchange, with anothercommunication control device that manages one or more second wirelesscommunication devices, information related to frequency sharing by thesecond wireless communication devices, in which

the information related to frequency sharing includes informationrelated to a frequency band in which high-priority access can be made.

(20)

A wireless communication device including:

a processing unit configured to transmit a message requesting exchangeof information for carrying out carrier aggregation through use of afrequency band provided by frequency sharing by another wirelesscommunication device to a communication control device that manages thewireless communication device, the information being related to thefrequency sharing between the communication control device and anothercommunication control device that manages the other wirelesscommunication device.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 system-   10 spectrum broker-   20 eNB-   30 SAS database-   40 core network-   100 network manager-   110 network communication unit-   120 storage unit-   130 processing unit-   131 management unit-   132 negotiation unit-   133 information exchange unit-   134 report unit-   135 finding unit-   200 base station-   210 antenna unit-   220 wireless communication unit-   230 network communication unit-   240 storage unit-   250 processing unit-   251 communication control unit-   253 negotiation unit-   300 frequency management server

What is claimed is:
 1. A frequency management device, comprising:circuitry configured to: acquire first information and secondinformation, wherein the first information is related to at least onefrequency band of a spectrum utilized by at least one first wirelesscommunication device of a plurality of first wireless communicationdevices and at least one second wireless communication device of aplurality of second wireless communication devices, the at least onefirst wireless communication device is operated by a first communicationcontrol device associated with a first operator, the at least one secondwireless communication device is operated by a second communicationcontrol device associated with a second operator, and the secondinformation is related to one of transfer or lease of a high-priorityaccess right from the first operator to the second operator for spectrumaccess in the at least one frequency band; and assign the at least onefrequency band of the spectrum to the at least one second wirelesscommunication device of the plurality of second wireless communicationdevices with the one of the transferred or leased high-priority accessright.
 2. The frequency management device according to claim 1, whereinthe second information further includes area information that indicatesan area where the second operator operates the at least one secondwireless communication device.
 3. The frequency management deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the at least one frequency band of thespectrum is assigned to the at least one second wireless communicationdevice which is located within the area indicated by the secondinformation, such that the at least one second wireless communicationdevice does not cause interference to the plurality of first wirelesscommunication devices.
 4. The frequency management device according toclaim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to control one ofthe transfer or the lease of the high-priority access right to the atleast one second wireless communication device based on at least one ofan utilization efficiency of the at least one frequency band by the atleast one first wireless communication device, channel priorityinformation, or a number of high-priority access rights held by thesecond communication control device.
 5. The frequency management deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the circuitry is further configured tocontrol one of the transfer or the lease of the high-priority accessright to the at least one second wireless communication device in a casewhere the utilization efficiency of the at least one frequency band bythe at least one first wireless communication device is lower than athreshold.
 6. The frequency management device according to claim 4,wherein the circuitry is further configured to control one of thetransfer or the lease of the high-priority access right to the secondcommunication control device in a case where the number of high-priorityaccess rights held by the second communication control device does notexceed an upper limit value.
 7. The frequency management deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one frequency band of thespectrum one of transferred or leased to the at least one secondwireless communication device is not utilized as a primary cell ofcarrier aggregation by the at least one first wireless communicationdevice of the plurality of first wireless communication devices.
 8. Thefrequency management device according to claim 1, wherein the at leastone frequency band of the spectrum one of transferred or leased to theat least one second wireless communication device overlaps between amanagement region of the first communication control device and amanagement region of the second communication control device.
 9. Thefrequency management device according to claim 1, wherein the at leastone second wireless communication device exists within a specificdistance of the at least one first wireless communication device. 10.The frequency management device according to claim 1, wherein thecircuitry is further configured to: receive, from the secondcommunication control device, third information indicating a location ofinstallation of the at least one second wireless communication device,wherein the location of installation corresponds to one of an indoorlocation or an outdoor location; permit the high-priority access rightfor the at least one second wireless communication device in a casewhere the third information indicates the location of installation ofthe at least one second wireless communication device is the indoorlocation; and restrict the high-priority access right for the at leastone second wireless communication device in a case where the thirdinformation indicates the location of installation of the at least onesecond wireless communication device is the outdoor location.
 11. Thefrequency management device according to claim 1, wherein the secondinformation further includes identification information, geographicalposition information related to the at least one second wirelesscommunication device, or channel utilization information of the at leastone frequency band by the at least one second wireless communicationdevice.
 12. The frequency management device according to claim 1,wherein the circuitry is further configured to control one of thetransfer or the lease of the high-priority access right to the at leastone second wireless communication device based on a request of thesecond communication control device to the first communication controldevice.
 13. The frequency management device according to claim 1,wherein the first information further includes fourth information thatcorresponds to carrier aggregation of a first frequency band of thespectrum and a second frequency band of the spectrum, the firstfrequency band is of the at least one first wireless communicationdevice, and the second frequency band is of the at least one secondwireless communication device.
 14. The frequency management deviceaccording to claim 13, wherein the first information further includes amessage that requests the at least one second wireless communicationdevice to provide the second frequency band for the carrier aggregation,and the second frequency band is provided based on a frequency sharingprocess.
 15. The frequency management device according to claim 13,wherein the second frequency band is utilizable, by the at least onefirst wireless communication device, as a primary cell of carrieraggregation, and the at least one frequency band is different from thesecond frequency band.
 16. A frequency management method, comprising:acquiring first information and second information, wherein the firstinformation is related to at least one frequency band of a spectrumutilized by at least one first wireless communication device of aplurality of first wireless communication devices and at least onesecond wireless communication device of a plurality of second wirelesscommunication devices, the at least one first wireless communicationdevice is operated by a first communication control device associatedwith a first operator, the at least one second wireless communicationdevice is operated by a second communication control device associatedwith a second operator, and the second information is related to one oftransfer or lease of a high-priority access right from the firstoperator to the second operator for spectrum access in the at least onefrequency band; and assigning the at least one frequency band of thespectrum to the at least one second wireless communication device of theplurality of second wireless communication devices with the one of thetransferred or leased high-priority access right.
 17. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executableinstructions, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor toexecute operations, the operations comprising: acquiring firstinformation and second information, wherein the first information isrelated to at least one frequency band of a spectrum utilized by atleast one first wireless communication device of a plurality of firstwireless communication devices and at least one second wirelesscommunication device of a plurality of second wireless communicationdevices, the at least one first wireless communication device isoperated by a first communication control device associated with a firstoperator, the at least one second wireless communication device isoperated by a second communication control device associated with asecond operator, and the second information is related to one oftransfer or lease of a high-priority access right from the firstoperator to the second operator for spectrum access in the at least onefrequency band; and assigning the at least one frequency band of thespectrum to the at least one second wireless communication device of theplurality of second wireless communication devices with the one of thetransferred or leased high-priority access right.